Heading for Roehl Tomorrow

Congratulations on passing your CDL test and getting through RDTC, Shots! I haven't been online for a while, so you might not have seen any of my previous posts. I'm a new driver for Roehl, and I'm about 2 months into EVO 3. So far it has been great out on the road. It's nice getting some good pay checks. I just bought a new laptop, and I'm back online!

Being with the trainers was fairly easy because all three of my trainers were good guys. My only problem was sleeping on the pull out book shelf they call a bed in the training trucks. I'm a big guy though, so hopefully it will be easier for you.

Anyway, good luck with the next part of your training. It sounds like you're doing great so far.

 

Don't worry Shots. The training process with Roehl is a good one, and you should do just fine. The nice thing about the next step (Evo 2 or Phase 2) is that you have a trainer with you. They won't put you into any situations that are too challenging right off the bat. All you have to do is just remember what you have learned at RDTC and you will be more prepared than a lot of the drivers for other companies out on the road. Just take it a day at a time, have some fun along the way. Before you know it, you will be done with Evo 2 and you will be getting your new truck.

One tip: Don't worry about being too perfect with your shifting. Sometimes you are going to grind the gears a little bit. The thing is, we ALL do it. Some days we do it a lot more than we like to admit. LOL. As you get out in your own truck, your shifting will become almost second nature. Backing will get easier and easier over time too.

 

To add to Z's comment. Listen to the trainer and take some situations with a grain of salt. If they may get excited or anything. But you had joe and you should be fine. Try to stay relaxed and thick skinned.

 

Yeah, what Hindsy said, if your trainer is psysco like his was, then just grin and bear it... Not really, most of the trainers that I know are very well trained and very professional, I stress the most part. Just be understanding, we all live in our trucks more than we are home, so be respectful of your co-drivers stuff, and his wishes for the truck. It is a small space and hard to share, but if you both do your part it makes it alot easier. I enjoy training, and have really only had one student that I just couldn't get along with. Just relax, do your best, listen, and you will do fine.

 

I ground the cap out of some gears in my trainers truck the first day.. It had an Eaton transmission and I wasn't used to it.. Now that I am in my own truck I float gears more than I clutch which is surprising lol... Have a good time with your trainer and if U get Carl tell him I said hi (he should be off vacation today so U might get him).

 

And if you get Bob from Pa, oh nevermind lol! I'm sorry I was such a pain PA! Lol it was only for 4 days. Geesh! some people. Just kidding.
I had great trainers. Good guys just trying to make a living like I was. Everyone has their moments, but we all know our limits. Don't let yourself get to it. Have fun! Enjoy your time at home.

 

Yea man as far as grinding gears goes never feel bad I've had this truck for 50k miles now and I still can't drive it! Lol ask Mic he has seen it!

 

929 does have a nice truck... But he's right he still can't drive it... Everyone grinds the gears from time to time even the selfproclaimed supertruckerz out there don't let them fool ya..

 

yea i have put almost 100k and have wayyy to many days where i am like " jeezz can i shift this SOB?" grinding the whole time lol